WI vs IND: 2nd Test preview – India seek clean sweep on Caribbean shores
India routed West Indies in the first Test at Antigua by a record margin of 318 runs. The visitors will be eager to complete a clean sweep on the Caribbean shores with another comprehensive victory at Jamaica. The win will help the Indian team earn 120 points from this series, which is their first in the inaugural World Test Championship. Virat Kohli and his men have already defeated West Indies in T20I and ODI series. This can turn out to be India’s fourth successive unbeaten Test tour of West Indies.
Also read: WI vs IND: 1st Test – Rahane century, Bumrah fifer seal mammoth 318-run win for India
Indian bowlers breathed fire with Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah picking up five-wicket hauls in two innings. Sharma snapped 5/43 helping India secure a 75-run lead whereas Bumrah’s 5/7 left West Indies reeling at 37/7 at one stage. Ajinkya Rahane vindicated his position in the side with the knocks of 81 and 102. Hanuma Vihari staked a claim with 93.
The 318-run shattering will demoralise the hosts but Jason Holder’s side has seen worse patches. The batting side that boasts Shai Hope, Kraigg Brathwaite, Shimron Hetmyer and Darren Bravo needs to discipline itself better in the shot selection and batting temperament. Against the world-class Indian bowling attack, they will be severely tested in the second game as well.
Match Info
West Indies vs India, 2nd Test
Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica – 08:00 PM IST
The last time West Indies played a Test at this venue, they lost by 7 wickets (vs PAK, Apr 21-25, 2017). The last West Indies – India encounter here resulted in a draw with rain playing a spoilsport.
Head-To-Head
Played – 97
West Indies wins – 30
India wins – 21
Draw – 46
In recent history, India have never faced a problem against West Indies. The last time they lost a Test against the Caribbean side was in 2002. The Asian team will be confident of continuing the unbeaten streak.
Team News
West Indies (Recent form [Oldest first]: L W W L L)
Jason Holder’s side did not do much to change the common perception of them – poor batting temperament with good bowling pedigree. The three-pronged pace attack of Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel and Jason Holder was strengthened by the inclusion of Miguel Cummins. However, Cummins had an indifferent Test. Keemo Paul will be replacing him in the squad for the second Test.
Windies selectors gave a maiden call-up to the spinner Rahkeem Cornwall for this series. He may make his debut in this Test if the playing conditions are favourable. Batting collpase was a major issue for the Caribbean side but rather than replacement, they will have to depend on repairing the damaged mindset.
India (Recent form [Oldest first]: W L W D W)
India had a plenty of selection conundrums ahead of the first Test. The management decided to back its fast bowlers and omitted R Ashwin, the primary spinner. Vihari and Rahane received the nod over Rohit Sharma. Both of them piled big scores thus ensuring their places.
Wriddhiman Saha may get an opportunity to earn his place back after Rishabh Pant’s poor showing in the first Test. India may also explore the possibility of grooming Rohit Sharma as the future Test opener. With this being India’s last away Test before they embark on home Tests, they have one final chance for a trial.
Probable XI
West Indies: K Brathwaite, J Campbell, S Brooks, D Bravo, R Chase, S Hope (WK), S Hetmyer, J Holder (C), S Gabriel, K Roach, R Cornwall/K Paul
India: M Agarwal, KL Rahul/R Sharma, C Pujara, V Kohli (C), A Rahane, H Vihari, W Saha/R Pant (WK), R Jadeja, J Bumrah, I Sharma, M Shami
